The process of registering a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) or International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO) in Bangladesh is Bangladesh is governed by the NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB), under the Prime Minister’s Office currently at [https://cao.gov.bd/]. The governing law is the Foreign Donations (Voluntary Activities) Regulation Act, 2016. This comprehensive guide outlines the essential features, detailed registration procedures, and compliance requirements for NGOs and INGOs in Bangladesh.

Types of Non-Profit Organizations in Bangladesh

There are three major types of non-profit organization structures in Bangladesh, along with several other options for registering a non-profit or a social business:

1. NGO or NGO Registration – Registered under the NGO Affairs Bureau
2. Foundation, Society, and Association,  – under the Societies Registration Act
3. Non-Profit Company – Registered under the Companies Act, 1994
4. Trusts – Registered under the Trusts Act, 1882
5. Voluntary Social Welfare Organization – under the Department of Social Welfare 
6. Waqf – Registered under Waqf laws
7. Cooperative Society – Registered under the Cooperative Societies Act

Find the right business structure in Bangladesh: from sole proprietorship to limited company, with our registration guide.

NGO and INGO in Bangladesh: Key Features

• Non-Profit Orientation: Both NGOs and INGOs operate on a non-profit basis, and they work based on humanitarian, education, health care, public policy, social, human rights, environmental, and other things for humanity.
• Independence: These organizations operate independent of government direction, but must still adhere to national laws and policies.
• Funding: NGOs and INGOs are heavily dependent on foreign donations for their activities. The NGOAB oversees and regulates the receipt and utilization of these foreign contributions to ensure transparency and accountability.

Registration Process for Local NGOs

There are several critical steps in the registration process:

1. Preliminary Registration: Local NGOs that want to receive foreign donations are required to register with the NGOAB. However, first, the local NGOs need to register the organizations under the local authorities, such as: 

• Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC): As a society, foundation, association under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. It may also be possible for a non-profit company to register under the Companies Act, 1994. 
• Department of Social Services: Under the Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies (Registration and Control) Ordinance, 1961.

For more detail, read – “Non-profit organization registration options in bangladesh”

2. Application Submission to NGOAB: After getting preliminary registration, an application needs to be submitted to the NGOAB with Form FD-1 (in nine copies) along with the following documents:
   1. Executive Committee List: Detailed information about the organization’s executive members, including their names, addresses, occupations, and positions within the organization, as per the format given by NGO Affairs Bureau [6 copies];.
   2. Constitution: Attested copy of the organization’s constitution as approved by the preliminary registration authority. The constitution should outline its objectives, governance structure, membership criteria, meeting procedures, financial management, and amendment processes [6 copies].
   3. Plan of Operation: Plan of Operation (Work procedure, Organogram) [6 copies]. A comprehensive plan should give detail of the proposed activities, organizational structure, operational procedures, target beneficiaries, and expected outcomes.
   4. Activity Reports: Reports on past activities, if any, demonstrating the organization’s experience, credibility, and impact in relevant sectors. [6 copies].
   5. Meeting Minutes: Minutes from meetings related to the formation of the executive committee and other significant decisions, signed by the attendees. [6 copies].
   6. Undertaking from Donors: Official letters or documents from donors confirming their commitment to support the organization’s activities, specifying the amount and purpose of the donations. [6 copies].
   7. Photograph and NID copy of all executive committee members (attested by gazetted officer) [6 copy];
   8. viii. Names of general member (on stamp paper with Name, Father’s Name, Address and signature) [6 copies];
   9. Treasury Challan: Receipt of the prescribed registration fee of BDT 50,000 and the applicable Value Added Tax (VAT).

It’s important to note that the NGOAB can ask for more documents, at any stage after verification of the documents.

2. Security Clearance: The NGOAB sends the application to the Ministry of Home Affairs for law enforcement agencies like the Special Branch of Police and National Security Intelligence to verify it. This is to ensure that the activities of the organization align with national interests and security protocols.
3. Final Approval: Upon completion of verification, the NGOAB will provide the successful organization registration within 60 days. The registration is valid for 10 years and must be renewed six months before expiration.
   

Registration Process for International NGOs (INGOs)

INGOs wishing to work in Bangladesh must also register at the NGOAB. The registration process consists of the following:

1. Application Submission: Submit Form FD-1 (in nine copies) signed by the Chief Executive Officer in Bangladesh. The application should be supported by the below documents:
   1. Certificate of Incorporation: Legal proof of the organization’s incorporation in its country of origin. 3 Copies
   2. Constitution: The organization’s constitution outlining its mission, vision, governance structure, and operational guidelines. 4 Copies
   3. Activity Reports: Detailed reports of past activities, showcasing the organization’s experience, impact, and credibility in relevant sectors. 6 Copies
   4. Plan of Operation: A detailed plan describing the proposed activities in Bangladesh, including objectives, target beneficiaries, implementation strategies, and expected outcomes. 4 Copies.
   5. Board Resolution: Official decision by the organization’s governing body to establish operations in Bangladesh, including the appointment of a Country Representative. 6 Copies.
   6. Country Representative Appointment: Letter of appointment for the Country Representative who will oversee operations in Bangladesh, including their credentials and contact information. 4 Copies.
   7. Treasury Challan: Receipt of the prescribed registration fee of USD 9,000 or its equivalent in Bangladeshi Taka, along with the applicable VAT. in the Code 1-0323-0000-1836 and 15% Vat Code No (1-1133-00 35 -0311)- 3 copies.
   8. Deed of agreement with the landlord [Stamp of TK.300/-] in support of opening the office in Bangladesh -3 Copies
   9. List of Executive Committee (foreign)- 4 Copies
   10. Letter of Intent-5 Copies

2. It’s important to note that the NGOAB can ask for more documents, at any stage after verification of the documents.
3. Security Clearance:Like local NGOs, your application is sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs for law enforcement agency verification to confirm compliance with national security protocols.
4. Final Approval: Upon successful verification, the NGOAB grants registration, typically within 60 working days. The registration remains valid for 10 years and requires renewal six months before expiration.
   

Post-Registration Compliance Requirements

Once registration has been granted, NGOs and INGOs are subject to certain compliance requirements that they must fulfil to remain operational:

Approval & Project-Specific Compliance

Foreign Donations Approval (FD-6 & FD-7 Forms)

All project activities by an NGO have to be approved by the NGOAB before starting the project by submitting Form. Required forms include:

• FD-6 Form – For projects funded by foreign donations.
• FD-7 Form – For emergency relief programs funded by foreign contributions.
• FC-1 Form – This is mandatory for expatriates when they are appointed in any of the projects under the NGOs and helps in ensuring work permits and due tax payments.

Regulatory & Post-Registration Compliance

Reporting & Documentation

• Annual financial audits by an accredited auditor approved by NGOAB.
• Activity reports detailing projects, activities, and accomplishments.

Tax compliance including employee salary payments and deductions as per Bangladesh’s labor laws.

Annual Audit & Financial Due Diligence

To remain compliant with the new requirements, NGOs are required to get an annual audit from an NGOAB-registered audit firm and submit financial accounts on their revenue, outgo and fund utilization.

Project Monitoring & Inspection

NGOAB, along with relevant government bodies, conducts inspections and evaluations of projects to assess impact, effectiveness, and fund utilization.

Office & Administration Compliance

• NGOs are required to have a physical office with full-time staff to ensure operational transparency.
• There should be a local contact person assigned to liaise with the NGOAB and government agencies.
• The foreign employees will need an NGOAB approved work permit in order to work in Bangladesh.

Renewal Process

The period of validity for NGOs registration is 10-years.

Renewal applications should be lodged no later than 6 months prior to expiry and must include updated documentation, activity reports and audit statements.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

NGOAB can impose sanctions, including freezing bank accounts or cancelling registrations, against:

• Reduced Timeliness of Financial or Operational Reports
• Misuse of foreign funds.
• Extension of operational area without authorization.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does it take to register an NGO with NGOAB?

The registration usually takes 60 days, pending the completion of security checks and document validation.

2. Is it possible for a foreign national to register an NGO in Bangladesh?

Yes, but the NGO must have a local governing board and comply with Bangladesh’s laws on foreign investments and contributions.

3. How much does it cost and time to renew NGO registration?

Renewals fees are different and explained under the Organizations funding sources. However, a local NGO should pay BDT 30,000 (15% VAT applicable) for renewal of registration and for INGOs the renewal fees is equivalent to USD 6000 (VAT applicable). You are encouraged to verify the latest fees structure of NGOAB, this needs to be considered prior to application for renewal. The renewal should take about 50 days for both types of NGOs.

4. Can NGOs receive direct foreign donations?

No, according to them, NGOs are required to get prior approval of NGOAB before receiving or utilizing foreign funds.

5. What if a registration is not renewed by an NGO?

Non-compliance can lead NGOAB to suspend operations, freeze the bank account or cancel registration of the NGO.

Registering an NGO or INGO is challenging, requiring a series of rules, regulations, legal, financial and operational matters in Bangladesh. Through compliance with the standard guideline, NGOs may ensure range of action which includes foreign funding and economic development of Bangladesh. 

Types of Non-Profit Organization in Bangladesh

There are three major types of non-profit organization structures in Bangladesh, along with several other options for registering a non-profit or a social business:

1. Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) or International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO) – Registered under the NGO Affairs Bureau
2. Association, Foundation, and Society – Registered under the Societies Registration Act
3. Non-Profit Company – Registered under the Companies Act, 1994
4. Trust – Registered under the Trusts Act, 1882
5. Social Welfare Organization – Registered with the Department of Social Welfare
6. Waqf – Registered under Waqf laws
7. Microcredit Organization – Requires licensing under microcredit regulations
8. Cooperative Society – Registered under the Cooperative Societies Act

✅ LegalBD is happy to draft MoA and AoA, deeds, manage your registration, and provide ongoing maintenance for your Organization. Contact us for more det